The Certificate in Outdoor Education

Course Requirements for the Certificate: 25-35 units

The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required of all candidates for this certificate.

Admissions to the Certificate in Outdoor Education is currently suspended. Please contact the Kinesiology Department to learn the current status of the program.

A grade point average of 2.5 or better must be earned for courses required for the certificate, with at least a C earned in each course. Wilderness 1st Responder certification is required for this certificate.

This course provides the historical and philosophical foundations for using the outdoors as a medium for learning. Basic teaching and leadership styles used in instruction are emphasized, including a detailed look at the ethics involved in using the outdoors and adventure programming in education. 3 hours lecture.
(007019)

This course focuses on the process of facilitation. Specific attention is paid to transfer of learning, outdoor education process/theory, use of metaphors, small group development, debriefing/processing, providing appropriate feedback, therapeutic approaches, framing experiences, and the various theories involved in the use of adventure experiences as a medium for education/therapy. Applications are generalized to specific populations (e.g., youth at risk, chemical dependency, businesses, university orientation programs, and public schools). This class focuses on advanced methods of facilitation and processing. 3 hours lecture.
(007021)

Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of RECR 200, or faculty permission.

Study of the nature, scope, status, and historical development of professional leadership in recreation, parks, and special groups. Types, responsibilities, and criteria for positions. Professional preparation of personnel. Examination of professional body of knowledge, group dynamics, and theories of leadership. Competence, skills, and techniques of the supervisor and other professional personnel stressed. 3 hours lecture.
(008822)

Introduction to the study of law applicable to the management of recreation resources in providing valuable recreational experiences for clientele of public and commercial recreation programs and facilities. Examines general legal principles, legal aspects of provision of services by the private sector, contracts and contracting for recreation and park services, legal authority and methods in resource-based recreation areas, and legal liability in parks, recreation, and athletic programs. 3 hours lecture.
(008818)

A study of common disabilities found across the lifespan. Discussions are held about the historical and philosophical basis for adapted physical activity, and the impact of state and federal legislation. Analysis of the roles and responsibilities of the adapted physical education specialist and the inclusive educational environment also are examined. This course is applicable to all disciplines dealing with the disabled. 3 hours seminar.
(015911)

Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of RECR 200 or faculty permission.

A study of the characteristics and needs of diverse populations, specifically related to the delivery of inclusive leisure services. In-depth discussion of personal and societal attitudes, stereotypes, cultural competencies, legislation, accessibility, and program modification. Learning experiences include volunteer work, guest speakers, and wheelchair experience. This course is applicable to all disciplines dealing with diverse populations. 3 hours lecture.
(008785)

This course is for outdoor education and recreation leaders and is an introduction to the skills and safety systems associated with beginning rock climbing (e.g., top rope climbing, rappelling, bouldering) and the management of rock climbing in outdoor programs. Additionally, teaching methods appropriate for rock climbing are discussed, demonstrated, and evaluated. This course requires additional field time taught on weekends. 1 hour lecture, 6 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
(006686)

Introduction to winter wilderness living skills including nutrition, minimum impact camping, snow physics, avalanche, safety, medical issues, back country skiing techniques, snow shelters, leadership issues, and environmental ethics. Emphasis is on technical applications and the implementations of these skills in adventure programs. Successful completion of this class earns the student an American Institute of Avalanche Research and Education Level I certification. This is a physically demanding course requiring 10 continuous days of camping in winter conditions. It is not for the novice. 1 hour lecture, 9 hours laboratory.
(006685)

This course gives students an introduction to whitewater canoeing and kayaking skills. Students gain an understanding of the equipment, techniques, and procedures to conduct canoeing and kayaking activities in flat water, moving water, and whitewater environments. Emphasis is on the development of individual paddling skills, safe and conscientious paddling, and group management while on moving water. This course requires additional field time taught on weekends. 1 hour lecture, 6 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
(006707)

Prerequisites: KINE 226 and one of the following KINE 224, KINE 227, KINE 228 or equivalent.

Semester-long wilderness experience providing future teachers, counselors, and group leaders with a foundation to planning theory, goals, and safety practices of an extended wilderness expedition. The course is field-based, meaning that the classroom is remote wilderness settings. Key in this instruction is the participant's involvement in a group development experience while at the same time learning the skills, knowledge, and awareness necessary to conduct safe, ethical, and effective wilderness-based learning programs. Substitution with courses from the National Outdoor Leadership School, Outward Bound, the Wilderness Education Association, or other qualified programs is possible. 45 hours clinical. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule. ABC/no credit grading.
(007022)

University Catalog
California State University, Chico
400 West First Street
Chico, CA 95929